An Austrian national has been charged with money laundering after Border Force officers discovered £400,000 in cash hidden inside a suitcase at Heathrow Airport.
The suspect was apprehended at the west London airport on Wednesday as he attempted to board a flight to Turkey, the National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed.
In addition to the large sum of cash found in his checked luggage, officers also uncovered nearly 11,000 Euros (approximately £9,150) in his carry-on backpack. The money was seized as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminal financial activity.
Border force officers act swiftly
Border Force officers intercepted the man during routine security checks at Heathrow. Upon inspection of his luggage, they found stacks of banknotes concealed within compartments of the suitcase. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and the cash was confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
A spokesperson for the NCA said:
“Large amounts of cash being moved in this manner are often linked to organised crime, including drug trafficking and fraud. Stopping this money from leaving the UK prevents criminals from funding further illegal activities.”
The suspect was taken into custody for questioning, and following further inquiries, he was formally charged with money laundering.
Appearance at uxbridge magistrates’ court
The Austrian national was scheduled to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where prosecutors were expected to present the case against him. Authorities have yet to confirm whether he has entered a plea or if further investigations are underway.
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The NCA has not released the man’s identity at this stage, but sources suggest he was under surveillance before his arrest. Investigators are now working to determine the origin of the seized cash and whether it is linked to a larger criminal network.
Crackdown on money laundering
UK law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to tackle money laundering in recent years, targeting individuals attempting to move large sums of cash across international borders.
Heathrow Airport, as one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, has become a focal point for such investigations. Officers routinely conduct checks on departing passengers, using intelligence-led approaches to identify suspicious financial movements.
An NCA spokesperson added:
“Criminals who attempt to move large quantities of illicit cash face prosecution, and we will continue working with our partners to disrupt these illegal financial flows.”
The case remains under investigation, with further updates expected as the legal proceedings progress.
